System and method for capturing adjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode

ABSTRACT

A system and method for capturing adjacent images includes an imaging device with a panorama manager that performs various procedures to manipulate one or more image parameters that correspond to adjacent frames of captured image data. An image-stitching software program may then produce a cohesive combined panorama image from the adjacent frames of image data by utilizing the manipulated image parameters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and claims priority in, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/187,331, entitled “Automatic ExposureCorrection,” filed on Mar. 6, 2000. The foregoing related application iscommonly assigned, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to techniques for capturing visualinformation, and relates more particularly to a system and method forcapturing adjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode.

2. Description of the Background Art

Implementing effective methods for capturing visual information is asignificant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic devices. However, effectively capturing visualinformation by utilizing electronic devices may create substantialchallenges for system designers. For example, enhanced demands forincreased device functionality and performance may require more systemprocessing power and require additional hardware resources. An increasein processing or hardware requirements may also result in acorresponding detrimental economic impact due to increased productioncosts and operational inefficiencies.

Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform various advancedoperations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but mayalso place increased demands on the control and management of variousdevice components. For example, an enhanced electronic device thateffectively captures, processes, and displays digital image data maybenefit from an efficient implementation because of the large amount andcomplexity of the digital data involved.

In certain applications, a series of adjacent images may be generated bysystem users of contemporary electronic devices. Such series of adjacentimages may then be combined to produce various panoramic orthree-dimensional representations of a given scene or object. Forexample, three-dimensional images of a given target object may beeffectively created with a series of adjacent images that are capturedwhile circling the target object.

Due to factors like the growing demands on system functionality, it isapparent that developing new techniques for capturing visual informationis a matter of concern for related electronic technologies. Therefore,for all the foregoing reasons, developing effective systems forcapturing visual information remains a significant consideration fordesigners, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronic devices.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for capturing adjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode. Ina first embodiment, initially, a system user of a camera device maypreferably utilize any appropriate means to select a panorama mode forthe camera device. Then, the camera device may preferably capture aninitial frame of image data that includes one or more image parameters(such as an exposure parameter, or a white-balance parameter) that areset by an auto-correction module. Next, the panorama manager maypreferably store the initial image parameters from the captured initialframe of image data. The panorama manager may then disable theauto-correction module using any effective method. Then, the cameradevice may preferably capture all remaining adjacent frames of imagedata by utilizing the previously-stored initial image parameters.

In a second embodiment, initially, a system user may preferably utilizeany appropriate means to select a panorama mode for a camera device.Then, a panorama manager may preferably disable the operation of anauto-correction module using any effective method or technique. Thecamera device may next preferably prompt the system user to perform asweep procedure across a target area that has been selected for creatinga panorama image.

Then, the panorama manager may preferably sample an image parameterrange of one or more image parameters from the selected target area.Next, the panorama manager may preferably select one or more globalimage parameters based upon the previously-obtained sample sets of imageparameters from the image parameter range. The panorama manager mayselect the foregoing global image parameters using any appropriatetechnique or method. For example, the panorama manager may set theglobal image parameters equal to a calculated average value or meanvalue from the sample sets of image parameters in the sampled parameterrange. Alternately, the panorama manager may compare the foregoingsample sets of image parameters from the sampled parameter range to aparameter lookup table for determining appropriate global imageparameters. In accordance with the present invention, the camera devicemay then preferably capture all adjacent frames of image data byutilizing the previously-selected global image parameters.

In a third embodiment, initially, a system user may preferably select apanorama mode for operation of a camera device by using any appropriateand effective means or mechanism. Next, the system user preferably maycapture initial image data by utilizing the camera device. Then, apanorama manager may preferably store the captured initial image datainto frame buffers at a prior frame location.

Next, the camera device may preferably capture and store a new frame ofimage data into the frame buffers at a current frame location. Inaccordance with the present invention, the panorama manager may thenpreferably perform a transition procedure on one or more imageparameters of the image data in the prior frame location of the framebuffers.

The panorama manager may then preferably archive the processed frame ofimage data from the prior frame location of the frame buffers into amemory device. Then, the panorama manage may preferably transfer theimage data from the current frame location of the frame buffers into theprior frame location of the frame buffers. The third embodiment may thenpreferably repeat the foregoing transition procedure on successive pairsof adjacent frames of image data until all frames in the sequence havebeen captured and processed. The present invention therefore provides animproved a system and method for capturing adjacent images by utilizinga panorama mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a camera device, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the capture subsystem ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the control module ofFIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the memory of FIG. 3, inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a series of adjacentframes of image data;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of method steps for capturing adjacent images byutilizing a panorama mode, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of method steps for capturing adjacent images byutilizing a panorama mode, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the frame buffers ofFIG. 4, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of method steps for capturing adjacent images byutilizing a panorama mode, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an improvement in visual informationcapture techniques. The following description is presented to enable oneof ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and isprovided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles hereinmay be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features describedherein.

The present invention comprises a system and method for capturingadjacent images by utilizing a panorama mode, and preferably includes animaging device with a panorama manager that may perform variousprocedures to manipulate one or more image parameters that correspond toadjacent frames of captured image data. An image-stitching softwareprogram may then produce a cohesive combined panorama image from theadjacent frames of image data by utilizing the manipulated imageparameters.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram for one embodiment of a cameradevice 110 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 1 embodiment, camera device 110 may include, but is not limited to,a capture subsystem 114, a system bus 116, and a control module 118. Inthe FIG. 1 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may be optically coupled toa target object 112, and may also be electrically coupled via system bus116 to control module 118.

In alternate embodiments, camera device 110 may readily include variousother components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment. In addition, incertain embodiments, the present invention may alternately be embodiedin any appropriate type of electronic device other than the cameradevice 110 of FIG. 1. For example, camera device 110 may readily beimplemented as part of a scanner device or a digital camcorder.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, once a system user has focused capturesubsystem 114 on target object 112 and requested camera device 110 tocapture image data corresponding to target object 112, then controlmodule 118 may preferably instruct capture subsystem 114 via system bus116 to capture image data representing target object 112. The capturedimage data may then be transferred over system bus 116 to control module118, which may responsively perform various processes and functions withthe image data. System bus 116 may also bi-directionally pass variousstatus and control signals between capture subsystem 114 and controlmodule 118.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 capture subsystem 114 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, imaging device 114 preferablycomprises a lens 220 having an iris (not shown), a filter 222, an imagesensor 224, a timing generator 226, an analog signal processor (ASP)228, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 230, an interface 232, and oneor more motors 234 to adjust the focus of lens 220. In alternateembodiments, capture subsystem 114 may readily include various othercomponents in addition to, or instead of, those components discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may preferably captureimage data corresponding to target object 112 via reflected lightimpacting image sensor 224 along optical path 236. Image sensor 224,which may preferably include a charged-coupled device (CCD), mayresponsively generate a set of image data representing the target object112. The image data may then be routed through ASP 228, A/D converter230, and interface 232. Interface 232 may preferably include separateinterfaces for controlling ASP 228, motors 234 and timing generator 226.From interface 232, the image data may pass over system bus 116 tocontrol module 118 for appropriate processing and storage.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.1 control module 118 is shown, in accordance with the present invention.In the FIG. 3 embodiment, control module 118 preferably includes, but isnot limited to, a viewfinder 308, a central processing unit (CPU) 344, amemory 346, and an input/output interface (I/O) 348. Viewfinder 308, CPU344, memory 346, and I/O 348 preferably are each coupled to, andcommunicate, via common system bus 116 that also communicates withcapture subsystem 114. In alternate embodiments, control module 118 mayreadily include various other components in addition to, or instead of,those components discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 3 embodiment.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, CPU 344 may preferably be implemented toinclude any appropriate microprocessor device. Memory 346 may preferablybe implemented as one or more appropriate storage devices, including,but not limited to, read-only memory, random-access memory, and varioustypes of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disc devices, hard discdevices, or flash memory. I/O 348 preferably may provide one or moreeffective interfaces for facilitating bi-directional communicationsbetween camera device 110 and any external entity, including a systemuser or another electronic device. I/O 348 may be implemented using anyappropriate input and/or output devices. The operation and utilizationof control module 118 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 4 through 9.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.3 memory 346 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 4 embodiment, memory 346 preferably includes, but is not limitedto, application software 412, an operating system 414, a panoramamanager 416, frame buffers 418, a display manager 420, image data 422,an auto-correction module 424, and image parameters 426. In alternateembodiments, memory 346 may readily include various other components inaddition to, or instead of, those components discussed in conjunctionwith the FIG. 4 embodiment.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, application software 412 may include softwareinstructions that are preferably executed by CPU 344 (FIG. 3) to performvarious functions and operations for camera device 110. The particularnature and functionality of application software 412 preferably variesdepending upon factors such as the specific type and particular use ofthe corresponding camera device 110.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, operating system 414 preferably controls andcoordinates low-level functionality of camera device 110. In accordancewith the present invention, panorama manager 416 preferably may controland coordinate the operation of a panorama mode to effectively capture aseries of adjacent images. Frame buffers 418 may preferably store aprior frame of image data and a current frame of image data as furtherdiscussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 8 and 9.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, display manager 420 preferably may accessvarious image data and responsively display the image data uponviewfinder 308. In certain embodiments of the present invention,panorama manager 416 and display manager 420 may present various typesof user interfaces upon viewfinder 308 or elsewhere on camera device110. For example, a “panorama mode” indicator maybe displayed to signifythat camera device 110 is currently operating in a panorama mode. Imagedata 422 may preferably include individual frames of image data that areeach captured using capture subsystem 114 and responsively provided tocontrol module 118, as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 2.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, camera device 110 may utilize auto-correctionmodule 424 to automatically generate sets of one or more imageparameters 426 that each correspond to an associated frame of image data422. Auto-correction module 424 may utilize any effective means forgenerating image parameters 426. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, imageparameters may include any desired characteristics, elements, aspects,or features that relate to a corresponding frame of image data 422. Forexample, image parameters 426 may include one or more of an exposureparameter, a white balance parameter, a brightness parameter, a contrastparameter, a sharpness parameter, a hue parameter, a saturationparameter, and a color balance parameter. Image parameters 426 arefurther discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 5 through 9.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram for one embodiment of a seriesof adjacent frames 510 of image data 422 is shown. In the FIG. 5embodiment, the series of adjacent images 510 includes, but is notlimited to, a frame 514, a frame 518, a frame 522, and a frame 526. TheFIG. 5 embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration. Inalternate embodiments, selected series of adjacent images may readilyinclude various other frames with various other alignments, in additionto, or instead of, those frames and alignments discussed in conjunctionwith the FIG. 5 embodiment.

In accordance with the present invention, the adjacent captured frames514 through 526 may be combined into a continuous extended panoramaimage by utilizing an image-stitching software program or any othereffective means. The foregoing image-stitching software program may belocally present in camera device 110, or may be in a remote location,such as on a host computer device that may download and process imagedata 422.

A particular photographic target area represented by frames 514 through526 may include a significantly contrasting range of subject matter andscenic content. For example, lighting conditions across the foregoingphotographic target area may range from very dark to extremely brightlighting conditions. Auto-correction module 424 in camera device 110 maytherefore generate individual sets of image parameters 426 that varywidely from frame 514 through frame 526.

The foregoing substantial variation in image parameters 426 for adjacentframes 514 through 526 may typically result in significant loss of imagecohesiveness when creating a panoramic image. For example, a lack ofconsistent exposure parameters across frame 514 through frame 526 mayproduce visible edges between adjacent frames. The present inventiontherefore provides an improved technique for minimizing suddenvariations in image parameters 426 between a series of adjacent framesof image data 422.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, frames 514 through 526 each preferably includean adjacent frame overlap with the other respective adjacent frames inthe horizontal direction. In order for an image stitching softwareprogram to effectively create a continuous panorama image by connectingcorresponding edges of adjacent frames 514 through 526, an optimizedadjacent frame overlap may be utilized. For example, the image stitchingsoftware program may require a certain adjacent frame overlap in orderto successfully compare and join adjacent frames to thereby produce asingle continuous panorama image. However, in order to efficientlycapture a maximum amount of new captured image data for each adjacentframe, the optimized adjacent frame overlap may be minimized so that aparticular photographic target area may be captured with a smallernumber of adjacent frames.

The FIG. 5 embodiment is disclosed with respect to a camera device 110in which successive adjacent frames of image data 422 are captured in asequence that moves from left to right across a given photographictarget area. However, appropriate changes to the implementation andconfiguration of camera device 110 may readily be made to facilitate thecapture of successive adjacent frames while moving camera device 110 inany desired direction. For example, a system user may utilize a userinterface mechanism to choose from a selectable capture sequence thatincludes one or more of a left-right sequence, a right-left sequence, anup-down sequence, and a down-up sequence.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of method steps for utilizing apanorama mode is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The FIG. 6 embodiment is presented for purposes ofillustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the present invention mayreadily utilize various other steps and sequences than those discussedin conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, initially, in step 612, a system user ofcamera device 110 may preferably utilize any appropriate means to selecta panorama mode for camera device 110. Then, in step 616, camera device110 may preferably capture an initial frame of image data 422 with imageparameters 426 set by auto-correction module 424. Next, in step 620,panorama manager 416 may preferably store the initial image parameters426 from the captured initial frame of image data 422.

In step 626, panorama manager 626 may then disable auto-correctionmodule 424 using any effective method. Then, in step 628, camera device110 may preferably capture a next frame of image data 422 by utilizingthe stored initial image parameters 426 obtained in foregoing step 620.In step 640, camera device 110 determines whether another frame of imagedata 422 remains to be captured. If no additional frames of image data422 remain, then the FIG. 6 process terminates. However, if additionalframes of image data 422 remain to be captured, then the FIG. 6 processpreferably returns to foregoing step 628 to capture all remaining framesby utilizing the stored initial image parameters 426 obtained inforegoing step 620.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a flowchart of method steps for utilizing apanorama mode is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The FIG. 7 embodiment is presented for purposes ofillustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the present invention mayreadily utilize various other steps and sequences than those discussedin conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, initially, in step 712, a system user ofcamera device 110 may preferably utilize any appropriate means to selecta panorama mode for camera device 110. Then, in step 716, panoramamanager 626 may preferably disable the operation of auto-correctionmodule 424 using any effective method or technique.

In step 720, camera device 110 may preferably prompt the system user toperform a sweep procedure across a target area selected for creating apanorama image. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, panorama manager 416 anddisplay manager 420 may preferably prompt the system user regarding theforegoing sweep procedure by using a user interface on viewfinder 308.Then, in step 726, panorama manager 416 of camera device 110 maypreferably sample a parameter range of image parameters 426 from theselected target area. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, panorama manager 416 maycapture one or more sample sets of image parameters 426 (for example,five sample sets) from the selected target area. In certain embodiments,the number of sample sets may be proportional to the relative size ofthe selected target area.

In step 728, panorama manager 416 may preferably select global imageparameters based upon the sample sets of image parameters 426 from theimage parameter range sampled in foregoing step 726. In the FIG. 7embodiment, panorama manager 416 may select the foregoing global imageparameters using any appropriate technique or method. For example,panorama manager 416 may set the global image parameters equal tocalculated average values or mean values from the sample sets of imageparameters in the sampled parameter range. Alternately, panorama manager416 may compare the foregoing sample sets of image parameters from thesampled parameter range to a parameter lookup table for determiningappropriate global image parameters.

In step 732, camera device 110 may preferably capture an initial frameof image data 422 by utilizing the global image parameters selected inforegoing step 728. Then, in step 736, camera device 110 may preferablycapture a next frame of image data 422 by utilizing the same globalimage parameters selected in foregoing step 728. In step 740, cameradevice 110 determines whether another frame of image data 422 remains tobe captured. If no additional frames of image data 422 remain, then theFIG. 7 process terminates. However, if additional frames of image data422 remain to be captured, then the FIG. 7 process preferably returns toforegoing step 736 to capture all remaining frames by utilizing theglobal image parameters obtained in foregoing step 740.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a block diagram for one embodiment of the FIG.4 frame buffers 418 is shown, in accordance with the present invention.In the FIG. 8 embodiment, frame buffers 418 preferably include, but arenot limited to, a prior frame location 812 and a current frame location816. In alternate embodiments, frame buffers 418 may readily includevarious other components and functionalities in addition to, or insteadof, those components and functionalities discussed in conjunction withthe FIG. 8 embodiment.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, prior frame location 812 may include anyappropriate information for representing a particular captured targetobject 112 or other photographic subject matter. For example, priorframe location 812 may include a series of contiguous digital pictureelements (pixels) that collectively represent a selected target object112. In accordance with the present invention, image data 422 in priorframe location 812 preferably corresponds to a target object 112 (orscene) that was most-recently captured and stored before the image data422 that is stored in current frame location 816.

In the FIG. 8 embodiment, current frame location 816 may include anyappropriate information for representing a particular captured targetobject 112 or other photographic subject matter. For example, currentframe location 816 may include a series of contiguous digital pictureelements (pixels) that collectively represent a selected target object112. In accordance with the present invention, current frame location816 preferably corresponds to a target object 112 (or scene) that wasmost-recently captured and stored by camera device 110.

In accordance with the FIG. 8 embodiment of the present invention,panorama manager 416 may perform a transition procedure on the imageparameters 426 corresponding to image data 422 stored in prior framelocation 812. In practice, panorama manager 416 may preferably obtaininitial image parameters 426 associated with image data 422 stored inprior frame location 812. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, panorama manager 416may assign the foregoing initial image parameters 426 to the far leftsection of image data 422 in prior frame location 812.

Panorama manager 416 may then gradually alter the initial imageparameters 426 in the direction of transition direction arrow 820 in alinear manner to produce transition image parameters 426 that ultimatelymatch the image parameters 426 of image data 422 along adjacent edge 824at the far left section of current frame location 816. In other words,panorama manager 416 may preferably interpolate the foregoing transitionparameters 426 to provide a gradual and approximately linear transitionbetween the initial image parameters 426 assigned to the far left edgeof image data 422 in prior frame location 812 and the image parameters426 provided for image data 422 in current frame location 816 byauto-correction module 424. The functionality and utilization of framebuffers 418 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of method steps for utilizing apanorama mode is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The FIG. 9 embodiment is presented for purposes ofillustration, and, in alternate embodiments, the present invention mayreadily utilize various other steps and sequences than those discussedin conjunction with the FIG. 9 embodiment.

In the FIG. 9 embodiment, in step 912, a system user preferably mayselect a panorama mode for operation of camera device 110 by using anyappropriate and effective means or mechanism. In step 916, the systemuser preferably captures initial image data 422 by utilizing cameradevice 110. Then, in step 920, a panorama manager 416 preferably storesthe captured initial image data 422 into frame buffers 418 at a priorframe location 812.

In step 926, camera device 110 may preferably capture and store a newframe of image data 422 into frame buffers 418 at a current framelocation 816. Then, in step 928, panorama manager 416 may preferablyperform a transition procedure on image parameters 426 of image data 422in prior frame location 812 of frame buffers 418. In step 932, panoramamanager 416 may preferably store the processed image data 422 in priorframe location 812 (from foregoing step 928) into image data 422 ofmemory 346. Then, in step 936, panorama manage 416 may preferablytransfer image data 422 from the current frame location 816 of framebuffers 418 into the prior frame location 812 of frame buffers 418.

In step 940, the system user preferably may determine whether to captureanother frame in the sequence of adjacent frames. If the system userdetermines not to capture another frame in the sequence of adjacentimages, then the FIG. 9 method terminates. However, if the system userdetermines to capture another frame in the sequence of adjacent frames,then the FIG. 9 method preferably returns to step 926. The FIG. 9 methodthen preferably may repeatedly perform the foregoing steps 926 through936 until all frames in the sequence have been captured.

The FIG. 9 embodiment is discussed in the context of a camera device 110that reiteratively performs the foregoing transition procedure on pairsof adjacent frames of image data 422 as the adjacent frames are capturedby a system user. However, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may concurrently perform a transition procedure on asubstantial number of adjacent frames. In addition, the foregoingtransition procedure may be performed by image processing software in aremote host computer that downloads the adjacent frames of image data422 from camera device 110.

The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

1. A system for implementing a panorama mode in an imaging device, comprising: a panorama manager configured to selectively generate one or more image parameters corresponding to adjacent frames of image data that are captured by said imaging device, at least one of said one or more image parameters corresponding to ambient lighting conditions that exist when said image data is captured, said at least one of said one or more image parameters being equal to an average value of a parameter range from all of said adjacent frames of said image data, said one or more image parameters being utilized during said panorama mode to avoid an excessive variation between said adjacent frames of image data; and a processor that controls said panorama manager to thereby implement said panorama mode.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said imaging device is implemented as one of a digital still camera and a digital scanner device.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein an image-stitching software program combines said adjacent frames of image data to form a composite panorama image.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said panorama manager selects said one or more image parameters to avoid said excessive variation between said adjacent frames of image data to thereby create a cohesive composite image quality for said composite panorama image.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said one or more image parameters include at least one of an exposure parameter, a white-balance parameter, a brightness parameter, a contrast parameter, a sharpness parameter, a hue parameter, a saturation parameter, and a color balance parameter.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said imaging device includes a capture subsystem, a viewfinder, and a control module, said control module having a processor, a memory, and an input/output interface.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein said memory includes at least one of an application software program, an operating system, a panorama manager, frame buffers, a display manager, image data, an auto-correction module, and said image parameters.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein a system user selects a panorama mode for operating said imaging device.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein said imaging device captures and stores an initial frame of said adjacent frames of said image data.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein said panorama manager stores an initial image parameter value that corresponds to said initial frame of said image data.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein said panorama manager disables an auto-correction module which automatically selects said one or more image parameters for said imaging device.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein said imaging device captures all of said adjacent frames of said image data by utilizing said initial image parameter value from said initial frame of said image data.
 13. The system of claim 8 wherein said panorama manager disables an auto-correction module which automatically selects said one or more image parameters for said imaging device.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein a display manager and said panorama manager display a user interface that prompts said system user to perform a sweep procedure across a panorama target area with said imaging device.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said imaging device samples and stores said parameter range of current image parameter values from said panorama target area.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein said panorama manager selects a global parameter value from said parameter range of current image parameter values.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein said panorama manager selects said global parameter value by calculating one of said average value of said parameter range and a mean value of said parameter range.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein said panorama manager selects said global parameter value by comparing said parameter range of current parameter values to a pre-determined global parameter lookup table.
 19. The system of claim 16 wherein said imaging device captures said adjacent frames of said image data by utilizing said global parameter value.
 20. The system of claim 8 wherein said imaging device captures and stores an initial frame of said image data into frame buffers at a prior frame location.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein said imaging device captures and stores a next frame of said image data into said frame buffers at a current frame location.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein said panorama manager performs a transition processing procedure on said image data from said prior frame location of said frame buffers.
 23. A system for implementing a panorama mode in an imaging device, comprising: a panorama manager configured to selectively generate one or more image parameters corresponding to adjacent frames of image data that are captured by said imaging device, said one or more image parameters including an exposure parameter; and a processor that controls said panorama manager to thereby implement said panorama mode during which a system user selects said panorama mode for operating said imaging device, said imaging device capturing and storing an initial frame of said image data into frame buffers at a prior frame location, said imaging device capturing and storing a next frame of said image data into said frame buffers at a current frame location, said panorama manager performing a transition processing procedure on said image data from said prior frame location of said frame buffers, said transition processing procedure including gradually modifying said one or more image parameters from said image data in said prior frame location of said frame buffers to thereby transition from original values of said one or more image parameters at a first edge of said image data and linearly progressing to matching parameter values at a second edge of said image data, said second edge being adjacent to said image data in said current frame location of said frame buffers, said matching parameter values being equal to said one or more image parameters of said image data in said current frame location.
 24. The system of claim 22 wherein said transition processing procedure proceeds in a sequence that is selected from one or more of a left-right sequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-up sequence.
 25. The system of claim 22 wherein said imaging device archives said image data from said prior frame location of said frame buffers after said transition processing procedure is completed.
 26. The system of claim 25 wherein said panorama manager transfers said image data from said current frame location of said frame buffers into said prior frame location of said frame buffers after said imaging device archives said image data that has been processed during said transition processing procedure.
 27. The system of claim 26 wherein said imaging device repeatedly captures and processes successive pairs of said adjacent frames of said image data using said transition processing procedure.
 28. The system of claim 8 wherein said imaging device captures and stores all of said adjacent frames of said image data, and wherein said panorama manager performs a global transition processing procedure on said all of said adjacent frames in a substantially concurrent event.
 29. The system of claim 1 wherein an image processing program on a remote computer device performs a transition processing procedure on said adjacent frames of said image data to create a cohesive combined panorama image.
 30. The system of claim 1 wherein said imaging device captures said adjacent frames of said image data in a selectable sequence that includes at least one of a left-right sequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-up sequence.
 31. A method for implementing a panorama mode in an imaging device, comprising the steps of: utilizing a panorama manager to selectively generate one or more image parameters corresponding to adjacent frames of image data that are captured by said imaging device, at least one of said one or more image parameters corresponding to ambient lighting conditions that exist when said image data is captured, said at least one of said one or more image parameters being equal to an average value of a parameter range from all of said adjacent frames of said image data, said one or more image parameters being utilized during said panorama mode to avoid an excessive variation between said adjacent frames of image data; and controls said panorama manager with a processor to thereby implement said panorama mode.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said imaging device is implemented as one of a digital still camera and a digital scanner device.
 33. The method of claim 31 wherein an image-stitching software program combines said adjacent frames of image data to form a composite panorama image.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein said panorama manager selects said one or more image parameters to avoid said excessive variation between said adjacent frames of image data to thereby create a cohesive composite image quality for said composite panorama image.
 35. The method of claim 31 wherein said one or more image parameters include at least one of an exposure parameter, a white-balance parameter, a brightness parameter, a contrast parameter, a sharpness parameter, a hue parameter, a saturation parameter, and a color balance parameter.
 36. The method of claim 31 wherein said imaging device includes a capture subsystem, a viewfinder, and a control module, said control module having a processor, a memory, and an input/output interface.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein said memory includes at least one of an application software program, an operating system, a panorama manager, frame buffers, a display manager, image data, an auto-correction module, and said image parameters.
 38. The method of claim 31 wherein a system user selects a panorama mode for operating said imaging device.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein said imaging device captures and stores an initial frame of said adjacent frames of said image data.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein said panorama manager stores an initial image parameter value that corresponds to said initial frame of said image data.
 41. The method of claim 40 wherein said panorama manager disables an auto-correction module which automatically selects said one or more image parameters for said imaging device.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein said imaging device captures all of said adjacent frames of said image data by utilizing said initial image parameter value from said initial frame of said image data.
 43. The method of claim 38 wherein said panorama manager disables an auto-correction module which automatically selects said one or more image parameters for said imaging device.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein a display manager and said panorama manager display a user interface that prompts said system user to perform a sweep procedure across a panorama target area with said imaging device.
 45. The method of claim 44 wherein said imaging device samples and stores said parameter range of current image parameter values from said panorama target area.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein said panorama manager selects a global parameter value from said parameter range of current image parameter values.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein said panorama manager selects said global parameter value by calculating one of said average value of said parameter range and a mean value of said parameter range.
 48. The method of claim 46 wherein said panorama manager selects said global parameter value by comparing said parameter range of current parameter values to a pre-determined global parameter lookup table.
 49. The method of claim 46 wherein said imaging device captures said adjacent frames of said image data by utilizing said global parameter value.
 50. The method of claim 38 wherein said imaging device captures and stores an initial frame of said image data into frame buffers at a prior frame location.
 51. The method of claim 50 wherein said imaging device captures and stores a next frame of said image data into said frame buffers at a current frame location.
 52. The method of claim 51 wherein said panorama manager performs a transition processing procedure on said image data from said prior frame location of said frame buffers.
 53. A method for implementing a panorama mode in an imaging device, comprising the steps of: utilizing a panorama manager to selectively generate one or more image parameters corresponding to adjacent frames of image data that are captured by said imaging device, said one or more image parameters including an exposure parameter; and controls said panorama manager with a processor to thereby implement said panorama mode, during which a system user selects said panorama mode for operating said imaging device, said imaging device capturing and storing an initial frame of said image data into frame buffers at a prior frame location, said imaging device capturing and storing a next frame of said image data into said frame buffers at a current frame location, said panorama manager performing a transition processing procedure on said image data from said prior frame location of said frame buffers, said transition processing procedure including gradually modifying said one or more image parameters from said image data in said prior frame location of said frame buffers to thereby transition from original values of said one or more image parameters at a first edge of said image data and linearly progressing to matching parameter values at a second edge of said image data, said second edge being adjacent to said image data in said current frame location of said frame buffers, said matching parameter values being equal to said one or more image parameters of said image data in said current frame location.
 54. The method of claim 52 wherein said transition processing procedure proceeds in a sequence that is selected from one or more of a left-right sequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-up sequence.
 55. The method of claim 52 wherein said imaging device archives said image data from said prior frame location of said frame buffers after said transition processing procedure is completed.
 56. The method of claim 55 wherein said panorama manager transfers said image data from said current frame location of said frame buffers into said prior frame location of said frame buffers after said imaging device archives said image data that has been processed during said transition processing procedure.
 57. The method of claim 56 wherein said imaging device repeatedly captures and processes successive pairs of said adjacent frames of said image data using said transition processing procedure.
 58. The method of claim 38 wherein said imaging device captures and stores all of said adjacent frames of said image data, and wherein said panorama manager performs a global transition processing procedure on said all of said adjacent frames in a substantially concurrent event.
 59. The method of claim 31 wherein an image processing program on a remote computer device performs a transition processing procedure on said adjacent frames of said image data to create a cohesive combined panorama image.
 60. The method of claim 31 wherein said imaging device captures said adjacent frames of said image data in a selectable sequence that includes at least one of a left-right sequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-up sequence.
 61. A system for implementing a panorama mode in an imaging device, comprising: means for selectively generating one or more image parameters corresponding to adjacent frames of image data that are captured by said imaging device at least one of said one or more image parameters corresponding to ambient lighting conditions that exist when said image data is captured, said at least one of said one or more image parameters being equal to an average value of a parameter range from all of said adjacent frames of said image data, said one or more image parameters being utilized during said panorama mode to avoid an excessive variation between said adjacent frames of image data; and means for controlling said means for cohesively generating to thereby implement said panorama mode.
 62. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for implementing a panorama mode by performing the steps of: utilizing a panorama manager to selectively generate one or more image parameters corresponding to adjacent frames of image data that are captured by said imaging device at least one of said one or more image parameters corresponding to ambient lighting conditions that exist when said image data is captured, said at least one of said one or more image parameters being equal to an average value of a parameter range from all of said adjacent frames of said image data, said one or more image parameters being utilized during said panorama mode to avoid an excessive variation between said adjacent frames of image data; and controls said panorama manager with a processor to thereby implement said panorama mode. 